After the World War II, the U.S. claimed leadership in the simmering conflict between its allies and nations aligned with the Soviet Union. But the promise of American democracy at home remained unfulfilled, and the struggle to bring the fruits of equal rights to all citizens would consume the nation for many years.

In Chicago these struggles took place within neighborhoods and communities as African Americans asserted their right to move freely throughout the city, as women asserted their rights to equal citizenship with men, and as young activists broke from the leadership of older generations. Yet even as new issues drew society’s attention, echoes of previous struggles rang in the ears of Chicago activists.

This exhibit has been organized by the Newberry Library's Dr. William M. Scholl Center for Family and Community History and the Chicago Historical Society. It has been made possible with major funding provided in part by The Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning.
Generous support also provided by The Chicago Reader and Dr. and Mrs. Tapas K. Das Gupta.